A third case has been filed at the Supreme Court against Finance Secretary Ralph Recto for allegedly committing “technical malversation and/or plunder” by transferring ₱89.9 billion of excess PhilHealth funds to government coffers.
The petitioners, led by retired Justice Antonio Carpio and 1Sambayan Coalition, argue that the move violates the Constitution, as these funds were raised for a specific purpose under the sin tax law.
They contend that reallocating PhilHealth’s special funds to the national treasury is unconstitutional without abandoning or fulfilling its original purpose.
Recto defended the transfer, saying it was by the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments on the case for January 2025, with petitioners seeking a temporary restraining order to halt further transfers.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 17, 2024
